The fascination with highly visible but largely unknown business models continues. How do infomercials work? What is the value of fashion? How can you make money when no creative idea can be protected? Why is Apple building a sapphire manufacturing facility? It's all part of a pattern.
The closing of one and the onset of another era. In this hundredth episode of The Critical Path we look back to some of the big questions we asked and ask them again with hindsight and foresight. They are:
Episode #62 – Rocket Science | 350 Third.
Horace Dediu joins us for a discussion about the history of the space industry and its more recent commercial direction. We touch on the history of governmental and private investments in space as well as possible asymmetric strategies for the future including a railgun and the ever elusive space elevator. Does the commercial exploitation of space fit within a timescale business is able to accept?
In the wake of Apple's final announcement event of the year, Horace and Moisés discuss the cost of free software, the unification of file formats, and the cost/benefit of interoperability.
Asymcar 6: Peak Horse | Asymcar.
Steve Crandall brings a new perspective as a guest. Steve’s analysis of complex systems has given him a huge pool of wisdom into which we dip our dainty spoons.
We survey the interlopers seeking to replace many jobs that cars have traditionally done, from horses to bicycles, planes, trains and buses.
We dive deeper into a few earlier Asymcar topics including energy, regulation, infrastructure, power train evolution, societal changes, distribution networks, urbanization and consider the promise of electric bicycles.
Several innovation timing lessons temper our expectations for immediate improvements.
Finally, we revisit the emerging transportation information layers and how such services may change public behavior and the auto-ecosystem.
Asymcar 6: Peak Horse | Asymcar.
(Honorable mention to anyone who can identify the vehicle shown above.)
Horace and Moisés look beyond Apple's rumored "watch" project to contemplate the real reasoning behind recent executive acquisitions from the world of high fashion (and what it signals). Is Apple now driving "lifestyle" more forcefully than ever? We examine redefinition, from public face to product, and Mac Pro to (possibly) iPod nano.
Horace discusses AirShow NYC and his appearance on Bloomberg Surveillance, plus opening weekend sales of 9 million iPhone 5s/c units. We look ahead to what else Apple may have in store through sustaining and disruptive innovation.
Product, Promotion, Price, Positioning and Placement: The iPhone at seven. The 5C as a new product and the prospect for price reduction. The positioning of the 5S and the potential for the M series and Touch ID.
Dan is joined by Christina Warren, Horace Dediu, Benedict Evans, and Haddie Cooke to discuss their thoughts on the September 10th Apple Event announcing the iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, and more.
via 5by5 | 5by5 Specials #22: Apple Event: iPhone 5c and 5s.
A special episode in three parts: 1) Too many variables: The mechanics of the Microsoft Nokia deal 2) Climbing Everest without oxygen: The implications for Microsoft and 3) Post-abyss: The implications for Nokia.
via 5by5 | The Critical Path #95: Catharsis or Anticlimax?.
This one starts slow but ends with a flurry.
We begin with a defense of Ballmer for preserving great things, continue by condemning him for not having destroyed those very same things and end by asking whether anyone could have done the right thing.
via 5by5 | The Critical Path #94: The Limits of Executive Power.
